Read More

The barrister added C&R had co-operated with the investigation and admitted its criminal responsibility immediately.

A family statement released after Mr Phillips’ inquest in Exeter in March last year revealed that he served for 12 years with the Royal Engineers.

It said: “Neil served for 12 years in the Royal Engineers, including tours of duty in dangerous places. He worked in close protection with the UN War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague, Holland. He accompanied senior war crimes investigators into very dangerous situations.

“Given this background, no one would have expected Neil to meet his death in the manner he did. At the time of his death, Neil was working in an industry where consideration of safety appears to be secondary to time and money.”

Speaking after the court hearing, HSE inspector Kate Leftly said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.”

“If suitable edge protection had been installed, the tragic death of this employee could have been prevented.”